Isla de la Juventud, island
(1989 est. pop. 71,500), 1,180 sq mi (3,056 sq km), off SW
Cuba, from which it is separated by the Batabanó Gulf.
Until 1978 it was called Isle of Pines. The island's capital
is Nueva Gerona. Pine forests cover much of the island, and
there are many mineral springs. Marble is quarried from low
ridges in the northern part; the southern quarter of the island
is an elevated plain. The economy is based on fishing and
agriculture (primarily citrus fruits, some vegetables).

Until the break in U.S.-Cuban relations in the early 1960s,
much of the land was owned by American citizens, and the
mild, healthful climate and excellent fishing waters made
the island an attractive resort. Bibijagua beach remains
popular. Sighted by Columbus in 1494, the Isle of Youth
was later used as a penal colony and was a rendezvous for
buccaneers. During the colonial period it was a summer resort
and a rest area for the Spanish military.

The island was ceded to the United States after the Spanish-American
War (1898), and because its name was omitted from the Platt
Amendment, which defined Cuba's boundaries, it was claimed
by the United States as well as by Cuba. Finally, in 1907,
the U.S. Supreme Court declared that the island did not
belong to the United States; a treaty was later signed (1925)
confirming the island as Cuban. Near Nueva Gerona is a large
prison, often used for political prisoners. During the regime
of Fidel Castro, himself jailed there in 1953, the island
has been extensively beautified, but political prisoners
are incarcerated there in large numbers. The Isle of Youth
has suffered frequent damage from hurricanes.

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Nueva Gerona Isla de La Juventud CubaIsla de La Juventud or, Island of Youth, as it was named in the 1970s due to its favored location for summer youth camps is a sleepy island unlike mainland Cuba. Nueva Gerona is the capital of the island and could be described as the only place that constitutes anything remotely resembling a town. The city was founded in 1830 by Francisco Dionisio Vives, who was the Spanish governor of Cuba at the time. Oddly enough there is an American [...]

Hotel Rancho Tesoro Isla de La Juventud CubaThe Rancho El Tesoro Villa is located in a tranquil setting, and it is harmonically linked to the surrounding picturesque landscape. The accommodation is popular among anglers, but it's definitely a nice option for visitors on their way to the International Diving Center El Colony in the west and right next to the city of Nueva Gerona. Adorned with fake†ramparts like a colonial fortification and painted in a strange red hue, Rancho El Tesoro looks more like a castle than [...]

Isla de la Juventud Casa Particular | Isla de la Juventud Private Home StayA Casa Particular in Isla de la Juventud or home stay†on Isla de la Juventud will ensure you experience both the wonders of Isla de la Juventud's amazing culture, immersed in one-on-one contact with your Cuban hosts. Learn about Isla de la Juventud's rich history, together with true Cuban hospitality. The owners of your casa particular in Isla de la Juventud speak fluent English and have a profound knowledge of the city and its many sights. Any questions you wish [...]

Car Rental Isla de la Juventud Cuba | Rent a Car Isla de la Juventud CubaIsla de la Juventud Cuba is a large island, best†explored using a†rent a car. For this reason, we have some incredible Isla de la Juventud Car rental offers from economic cars to family focused Minivan and Vans. We also offer cheap economy cars†on the†Isla de la Juventud in Cuba, especially for budget conscious travelers. Booking your Cuba Car Hire in advance is crucial to your trip and, by checking our rates and availability you'll be able to find the car [...]

Isla de la Juventud Cell Phone Cubacel | Mobile Phone use in Isla de la Juventud CubaIsla de la Juventud Cuba Mobile phone network coverage is very good these days. Some areas of Isla de la Juventud may offer limited coverage but overall it's good. Unless you use a US mobile operator it's more than likely that you will be able to use roaming in Isla de la Juventud but this can be expensive. Staying connected in Cuba at a better rate will mean obtaining a Cuba SIM Card throughout your stay. Using cell phones in [...]

Hotel Colony Isla de La Juventud CubaWelcome to the Hotel El Colony located in the bay of Siguanea, Isla de La Juventud, just 45 minutes away from Nueva Gerona airport which itself is just 35 minutes [...]

Hotel Rancho Tesoro Isla de La Juventud CubaThe Rancho El Tesoro Villa is located in a tranquil setting, and it is harmonically linked to the surrounding picturesque landscape. The accommodation is popular among anglers, but it's definitely [...]

Complete List of Hotels in CubaCuba Hotels by province is offered exclusively from the Cuba Isla de La Juventud team at Travelucion. Browse Cuban hotels by category, price or read Cuban Hotel Reviews. Travelucion also [...]